Financial Aid Specialist

Position Details

Position Title

Financial Aid Specialist

Position Number

000549

Position Summary

The employee in this position must handle information with strict confidentiality and interact with students and parents with the utmost privacy sensitivity. Will serve as a specialist for one or more of the areas of financial aid processing to ensure University compliance to Title IV federal student aid regulations and will be required to provide backup in one or more of the remaining areas. The Financial Aid processing areas are Return to Title IV (R2T4)/Documentation of Attendance/Adjustment, Grants/Comment Codes, Satisfactory Academic Progress ( SAP )/Consortium, Verification, and Loans.

Essential Job Functions of Position

• Review reports identifying students who have withdrawn from the University to calculate and process applicable returns in accordance with federal regulations for R2T4.
• Communicate with faculty to determine academic participation for grant aid eligibility and process necessary adjustments.
• Analyze student enrollment with financial aid award packages to determine student aid eligibility after the census date and perform award and budget adjustments as required.

• Work with students and families to collect documents required for the verification process. Identify and submit necessary corrections to the US Department of Education and review returned forms for accuracy. Follow up as needed to initiate corrections.
• Assess, approve, or deny “Special Circumstance” requests based upon Title IV regulations, considering federal tax forms, court documents, and other information.
• Notify applicants of final determinations.

• Compile and evaluate federal student aid comment codes and information to determine financial aid eligibility based on federal regulations and guidelines.
• Work with students to address and/or initiate resolution of complex federal student aid program eligibility discrepancies.
• Run reports identifying discrepancies in grant aid awards and disbursement. Research records to determine and initiate corrective action.
• Identify, communicate, and award eligible students for Federal TEACH Grant. Satisfactory Academic Progress ( SAP )/Consortium • Evaluate SAP appeals and plans to determine the reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
• Work with academic advisors to resolve discrepancies with academic/degree plans.
• Update student records to reflect reinstated eligibility and notify applicants of final determinations.
• Review student Consortium Agreements to facilitate budget and award adjustments under university policy and federal regulations guidelines.
• Collect and calculate SAP eligibility based on final grades from the host and home institutions. Loans
• Extract reports and monitor federal and private lender websites to identify students who have accepted federal student loans/ PLUS loans and/or private loans.
• Run reports identifying discrepancies in loan awards and disbursements. Research records to determine and initiate corrective action for aggregate and annual loan limits, loan bankruptcy, and/or loan discharge.
• Facilitate financial aid award disbursement on a routine basis. Upload loan files received from the US Department of Education. Notify loan borrowers of the right to cancel and process returns as requested.
• Review and award summer financial aid eligibility. Review and analyze financial aid requests and determine eligibility for financial aid awards following established federal, state, and private qualification guidelines.
• Serve as backup to assist with financial aid packaging during times of staff unavailability or heavy workloads.
• Generate letters and other communications to notify students of financial aid approvals, the status of appeals, unmet financial aid requirements, etc. Respond to student, parent, or staff inquiries to assist with financial aid processes and requirements.
• Work closely with Enrollment Management offices to resolve student issues.
• Establish, update, and maintain student files according to federally mandated record retention guidelines. Image and index documents for the Financial Aid Office.
• Responsible for reviewing federal regulations related to area(s) of specialty to determine if changes to current processes are required and recommend improvements.
• Create and maintain Financial Aid Office Policies and Procedures Manual in respective areas.
• Provide cross-training to colleagues and assists with student employee training.
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Non-Essential Job Functions of Position

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Three years of experience in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar, and/or financial aid, Or a combination of education in a related field and experience in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar, and/or financial aid equivalent to three years experience.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree. Financial aid experience. Experience with Ellucian’s Banner student information system.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Licenses, Certifications & Registrations

Additional Requirements (e.g. Physical Demands)

Campus Security Authority

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Note: This position requires access to ED, COD, NSLDS and CPS databases. In order to have access to these databases, applicants cannot be in default or owe an overpayment in any Title IV Federal Financial Aid program.

Advertised Pay

$15.72

Work Schedule

Regular Business Hours

Full-time/Part-time

Full Time

Average Hours per Week

40

Months per Year

12

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

1

EEO Statement

Washburn is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching focused academic environment and a curriculum that engages the diversity of human experience across the globe. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Application materials should clearly articulate how the candidate will contribute to the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through their teaching, research, and/or service.

Washburn University is an EOE . Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Posting Number

S0247P

Background Check Required?

Yes

Driving History Checked?

No

Drug Screen Required?

No

Anticipated Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

For earliest consideration apply by

09/15/2021

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled?

Yes

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://washburn.peopleadmin.com/postings/3549
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have three years’ in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar, and/or financial aid experience; Or do you have a combination of education in a related field and experience in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar, and/or financial aid equivalent to three years of experience.
   • Yes-I have three years’ in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar and/or financial aid experience.
   • No-I do not have three years’ in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar and/or financial aid experience.
   • Yes-I have a combination of education in a related field and experience in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar and/or financial aid equivalent to three years.
   • No-I do not have a combination of education in a related field and experience in finance, banking, computer data entry, admissions, registrar and/or financial aid equivalent to three years.
3. * Are you in default or owe an overpayment in any Title IV federal financial aid programs?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you have Financial Aid experience?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have experience with Banner student information software?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Do you have work experience in a higher education environment?
   • Yes, in the field I am applying for
   • Yes, but in a different field than I am applying for
   • No

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter